Seat table

Abstract

To provide a seat table which enables a user to push out the table from a storage position to the outside when desired.SOLUTION: A seat table 1 includes: a table 4 which is provided so as to be rotatable horizontally relative to a table support part 2; a rotary connection structure J which connects the table 4 to the table support part 2 in such a manner that the table can rotate horizontally relative to the table support part; and an elastic stopper 3D which locks rotation of the table 4 in a storage direction by the rotation connection structure J in a storage position by its elastic contact. The rotation connection structure J has an extrusion area where the table 4 may be extruded from the storage position to an extrusion position, which is beyond the storage position, by the force pressing the table 4 in a storage direction against repulsive force of the elastic stopper 3D.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat table, and more particularly to a seat table that is horizontally rotatable relative to a table support. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a seat table that is foldable and storable on the side of a vehicle seat. The seat table is connected to a base that is erected on the side of the vehicle seat. Specifically, the seat table has an arm that is connected to the base so as to be horizontally rotatable, and a table that is connected to the arm so as to be horizontally rotatable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-11174 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the movable range of the table is limited between a stored position where it is pushed to the side of the vehicle seat and an extended position where it is extended in front of the seat occupant. Therefore, depending on the shape and size of the table, the table may interfere with the boarding and disembarking process. Therefore, the present invention provides a seat table that can be pushed out from the stored position when desired. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To solve the above problems, the seat table of the present invention employs the following means.

[0006] In other words, the first invention of the present invention is a seat table having a table that is arranged so as to be horizontally rotatable relative to a table support part, and which has a rotary connection structure that connects the table to the table support part so as to be horizontally rotatable, and an elastic stopper that locks the rotation of the table in the storage direction by the rotary connection structure to the storage position by elastic contact, and the rotary connection structure has an extrusion area that allows the table to be extruded from the storage position to an extrusion position beyond the storage position by a force that presses the table in the storage direction against the elastic force of the elastic stopper.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the table is rotated to the storage position, the elastic stopper elastically abuts against the table, thereby elastically locking the table in the storage position. When a force is applied to the table in the storage direction from the storage position, the table is pushed out beyond the storage position against the elastic force of the elastic stopper. Therefore, the table can be pushed out from the storage position when desired. Furthermore, when the force pushing the table to the push position is removed, the table can be pushed back to the storage position by the elastic force of the elastic stopper.

[0008] The second invention of the present invention is a seat table according to the first invention, further comprising a damper that applies a damping force to the movement of the table returning from the extrusion position to the storage position due to the elastic force of the elastic stopper.

[0009] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the speed at which the table is pushed back from the extended position to the retracted position by the elastic force of the elastic stopper can be appropriately controlled.

[0010] The third invention of the present invention is a seat table according to the second invention, wherein the damper is configured as a one-way type that does not apply a damping force to the operation of pushing the table from the storage position to the push-out position.

[0011] According to the third aspect of the present invention, even if the damper is provided, it is possible to prevent the speed of the operation of pushing the table from the storage position to the push-out position against the elastic force of the elastic stopper from being restricted.

[0012] A fourth invention of the present invention is a seat table according to the second or third invention, wherein the damper is provided at a position away from the center of rotation of one of the two members of the rotating connecting structure that rotate relative to each other, and when the rotating connecting structure becomes the push-out area, it engages with the other of the two members so as to apply a damping force to the other, and when the rotating connecting structure moves out of the push-out area into the deployed storage area, it disengages from the other.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, with a relatively simple configuration, the damper can be appropriately provided so that it does not function when the table is in the deployment storage area, but functions only when the table is in the push-out area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a seat table according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the seat canopy in an unfolded state. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a retracted state of the seat table. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the seat table in an unfolded state. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the seat table as seen from the back side of the table. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the table in a storage position. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the table deployed to the use position. [Figure 8] 8 is a plan view showing a state in which the table is rotated forward from the use position shown in FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] 8 is a plan view showing a state in which the table is rotated rearward from the use position shown in FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the table is adjusted forward from the use position. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the table is adjusted rearward from the use position. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the table is pushed out from the storage position to the push position. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a retracted state of the seat table according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the seat table in an unfolded state. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the table is pushed out to a pushing position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] First Embodiment (Outline of seat table 1) First, the configuration of a seat table 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 12. In the following description, when directions such as front, back, up, down, left, and right are indicated, they refer to the directions shown in each figure.

[0017] Furthermore, when a direction such as the "sheet width direction" is indicated with the word "sheet," it refers to the respective direction based on the sheet S described below. Furthermore, in the following description, when a specific reference drawing is not shown or when there is no reference symbol corresponding to the reference drawing, any of Figures 1 to 12 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, a seat table 1 according to this embodiment is applied to a seat S installed in an automobile. The seat S has a seat back SB serving as a backrest and a seat cushion SC serving as a seating area. Upright bases SD extending in the front-to-rear direction of the seat are provided on both the left and right sides of the seat cushion SC.

[0019] Each base SD is shaped like an upright board that rises above the seat cushion SC, so that it covers the buttocks and thighs of a seated occupant from the sides of the seat. The seat table 1 is attached to the right base SD.

[0020] The seat S is equipped with a seat canopy SH that can cover the head of a seated occupant. As shown in Fig. 1, the seat canopy SH is configured to be folded and stored in a position above and behind the head of the seated occupant when not in use. As shown in Fig. 2, the seat canopy SH is configured to be deployed between the seat back SB and the left and right bases SD to encase the body, including the head, of the seated occupant when in use.

[0021] Specifically, the seat canopy SH can be deployed to a position where it overlaps in height with the seat table 1 attached to the right-side base SD, allowing the seated occupant to use the seat table 1 in the personal space covered by the seat canopy SH.

[0022] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the seat table 1 is attached to the inside of the right-side base SD. Specifically, the seat table 1 has a table support part 2 fixed to the base SD and an arm 3 connected to the table support part 2 so as to be horizontally rotatable. The seat table 1 also has a table 4 connected to the arm 3 so as to be horizontally rotatable.

[0023] The seat table 1 is configured so that the user can manually deploy the table 4 by grasping the table 4 and operating it to retract it from the storage position shown in Fig. 3 to the use position shown in Fig. 4. Similarly, the seat table 1 is configured so that the user can manually store the table 4 by grasping the table 4 and operating it to push it out from the use position shown in Fig. 4 to the storage position shown in Fig. 3.

[0024] 5 to 7, the seat table 1 further includes a power transmission mechanism 5 that transmits power to rotate the arm 3 relative to the table support part 2 in conjunction with the user's operation of rotating the table 4 relative to the arm 3. The power transmission mechanism 5 is configured to rotate the arm 3 in the opposite direction relative to the table support part 2 in conjunction with the rotation of the table 4 relative to the arm 3 in both directions.

[0025] By using this power transmission mechanism 5, the seat table 1 can operate to retract the table 4 from the storage position shown in Fig. 6 toward the inside in the seat width direction relative to the arm 3, thereby retracting the arm 3 toward the inside in the seat width direction, as shown in Fig. 7. In addition, by operating the seat table 1 to push the table 4 from the use position shown in Fig. 7 toward the outside in the seat width direction relative to the arm 3, the seat table 1 can also push the arm 3 toward the outside in the seat width direction, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0026] With this configuration, the seat table 1 allows the table 4 to be easily switched between the storage position shown in Fig. 6 and the use position shown in Fig. 7. The power transmission mechanism 5 described above has an idling section 5D that prevents the arm 3 from rotating relative to the table support section 2 even when the table 4 is rotated back and forth relative to the arm 3 as shown in Figs. 8 and 9 when the table 4 is deployed to the use position shown in Fig. 7.

[0027] The idling portion 5D allows the seat table 1 to adjust the position of the table 4 by moving it in parallel from the use position shown in Fig. 7 to the front adjustment position shown in Fig. 10 without changing its orientation. Also, the seat table 1 allows the position of the table 4 to adjust it in parallel from the use position shown in Fig. 7 to the rear adjustment position shown in Fig. 11 without changing its orientation.

[0028] The seat table 1 also has an elastic stopper 3D that elastically abuts against the table 4 and locks it in the storage position by rotating the table 4 in the storage direction to the storage position shown in Fig. 6. The elastic stopper 3D is configured so that the user can push the table 4 (see Fig. 6) in the storage position (to the right) against the elastic force of the elastic stopper 3D, thereby pushing the table 4 beyond the storage position to a push-out position as shown in Fig. 12.

[0029] With this configuration, even if the table 4 protrudes from the right-side base SD toward the inside (left side) of the seat when in the storage position shown in Fig. 6, the table 4 can be pushed outward to reduce this protrusion as shown in Fig. 12. As a result, when a seated occupant gets on or off the seat S, the table 4 does not get in the way of the getting on or off action.

[0030] When the force pushing the table 4 outward is removed, the table 4 is pushed back to the storage position (see Figure 6) by the elastic force of the elastic stopper 3D. Therefore, the table 4 can be easily returned from the pushed-out position to the storage position.

[0031] The table 4 is configured to fit within the canopy of the deployed seat canopy SH no matter where it is moved in the deployment direction from the storage position shown in Fig. 6 (where it is moved in the deployment storage area). Specifically, when the table 4 is moved forward from the use position shown in Fig. 7 to the front adjustment position shown in Fig. 10, further movement of the seat table 1 in the deployment direction is restricted.

[0032] 6, the seat table 1 is configured so that further movement in the storage direction is elastically restricted by the elastic force of the elastic stopper 3D. With this configuration, the seat table 1 can be used without the table 4 interfering with the seat canopy SH.

[0033] The operation of pushing the table 4 to the pushed-out position shown in Fig. 12 is performed when a seated occupant gets on or off the seat S, and therefore assumes that the seat canopy SH (see Fig. 1) is stored. Therefore, even if the table 4 is pushed out to the pushed-out position when getting on or off the seat S, there is no problem of the table 4 interfering with the seat canopy SH.

[0034] (Configuration of each part) The following describes in detail the specific configuration of each part of the seat table 1. First, we will explain the configuration of the table support part 2, the arm 3, and the table 4. As shown in Figure 5, the table support part 2 is fixed to the inside of the right-side base SD near the upper front corner.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 4, the arm 3 is made of a long, flat plate member that is shorter than the table 4. As shown in Fig. 7, the arm 3 is rotatably connected to the upper part of the table support part 2 by a first rotation shaft C1 that extends in the seat height direction at a point closer to one end (the right end in the figure) than the center in the longitudinal direction. More specifically, the arm 3 is connected to the table support part 2 via the first rotation shaft C1 so as to be positioned higher than the right-side base SD.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 4, the table 4 is made of a long, flat plate member that is longer and wider than the arm 3. As shown in Fig. 7, the table 4 is rotatably connected at a location closer to one end (the right end in the figure) of the arm 3 than the center in the longitudinal direction to a location on the top plate closer to the other end (the left end in the figure) of the arm 3 by a second rotation shaft C2 that extends in the seat height direction. The second rotation shaft C2 is formed by a top plate-side gear 5A, which will be described later.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 6, this configuration allows the seat table 1 to be stored directly above the right-side base SD with the table 4 and arm 3 stacked one on top of the other. Also, as shown in Fig. 7, the seat table 1 can be unfolded so that the arm 3 extends from the right-side base SD to the left, and the table 4 can be unfolded so that it extends further to the left from the unfolded arm 3.

[0038] That is, the seat table 1 is configured to include a rotary connection structure J that connects the table 4 to the table support portion 2 so that the table 4 can rotate horizontally relative to the table support portion 2. Specifically, the rotary connection structure J connects the table 4 to the table support portion 2 via the arm 3 about a first rotation axis C1 and a second rotation axis C2 so that the table 4 can rotate horizontally.

[0039] Next, the configuration of the power transmission mechanism 5 will be described. As shown in Figure 7, the power transmission mechanism 5 is made up of a top-side gear 5A made up of a spur gear, a sector gear 5B, and a link 5C. The power transmission mechanism 5 is arranged inside the arm 3, which has a hollow plate shape, and is configured to connect the table 4, arm 3, and table support part 2 so that power can be transmitted between them.

[0040] The top-plate-side gear 5A is fixed to the table 4 so as to be concentric with the second rotation axis C2, which is the rotation axis of the table 4 relative to the arm 3. The sector gear 5B is provided in the middle of the arm 3 in the longitudinal direction so as to mesh with the top-plate-side gear 5A. The sector gear 5B is connected to the arm 3 so as to be rotatable around the third rotation axis C3, which extends in the seat height direction.

[0041] The link 5C is connected so as to span between the sector gear 5B and the bracket 2A that protrudes from the table support portion 2 toward the inside (left side) of the seat. Specifically, the link 5C is configured such that a first pin C4 that is provided at one end (the left end in the figure) of the link 5C and extends in the seat height direction is passed through an elongated hole B1 that is formed at the end of the sector gear 5B on the counterclockwise side in the figure and extends in the rotational direction.

[0042] As a result, one end of the link 5C is connected to the sector gear 5B so as to be rotatable and slidable in the rotational direction within the range in which the first pin C4 is slidable inside the elongated hole B1. The above-mentioned idling portion 5D is configured with a connection structure in which the first pin C4 is slidably passed through the elongated hole B1. The other end (the right end in the figure) of the link 5C is rotatably connected to the bracket 2A by a second pin C5 extending in the seat height direction.

[0043] When the user rotates the table 4 relative to the arm 3, the power transmission mechanism 5 operates to rotate the arm 3 relative to the table support part 2 as follows: First, the operation of unfolding the table 4 from the storage position shown in Fig. 6 to the use position shown in Fig. 7 will be described.

[0044] 6, when the seat table 1 is stored directly above the base SD with the table 4 overlapping the arm 3, the table 4 and the arm 3 are both oriented to extend in the front-to-rear direction of the seat. Specifically, the arm 3 is oriented to extend from the first rotation axis C1 toward the rear of the seat relative to the table support part 2. Furthermore, the table 4 is oriented to extend from the second rotation axis C2 toward the front of the seat relative to the arm 3.

[0045] When the table 4 is retracted from the above-described stored state to the inside (left side) of the seat, the top-plate-side gear 5A, which is integral with the table 4, rotates counterclockwise relative to the arm 3. As a result, the sector gear 5B, which is engaged with the top-plate-side gear 5A, rotates clockwise relative to the arm 3 around the third rotation axis C3.

[0046] This rotation presses the first pin C4 of the link 5C against the counterclockwise end of the slot B1, causing the link 5C to rotate clockwise around the second pin C5. As a result, as shown in Figure 7, the arm 3 rotates clockwise around the first rotation axis C1 and is pulled out from the right-side base SD toward the inside of the seat. At the same time, the table 4 is also pulled out from the arm 3 toward the inside of the seat.

[0047] By the above operation, the table 4 and the arm 3 are unfolded so as to be pulled out in a substantially straight line from the table support part 2 toward the inside of the seat. In reality, the table 4 can be rotated counterclockwise relative to the arm 3 to the rotation position shown in Fig. 9 from a state in which the arm 3 is pulled out in a straight line from the table support part 2 toward the inside of the seat, i.e., a state in which the first rotation axis C1 and the second rotation axis C2 are aligned side by side.

[0048] However, as shown in Figure 7, when the user operates the table 4 to pull it in straight sideways, the table 4 is moved so as to be pulled out in a substantially straight line from the table support part 2 towards the inside of the seat together with the arm 3. This is because, within the range in which the first pin C4 of the link 5C is slidable inside the elongated hole B1, the table 4 can rotate around the second rotation axis C2 independently with respect to the arm 3 (idling part 5D).

[0049] Specifically, the table 4 can be rotated independently relative to the arm 3 between the use position shown in Fig. 7 and the positions shown in Figs. 8 and 9 where the first pin C4 abuts against each end of the elongated hole B1. This idling configuration allows the table 4 to be translated forward of the seat from the use position shown in Fig. 7 to the front adjustment position shown in Fig. 10 without changing its orientation.

[0050] The table 4 can also be moved parallel to the rear of the seat from the use position shown in Fig. 7 to the rear adjustment position shown in Fig. 11 without changing its orientation. When the table 4 is moved to the front adjustment position shown in Fig. 10, its rotational movement is restricted. Specifically, when the table 4 is moved to this position, a deployment stopper 3A provided at the base of the arm 3 comes into contact with a stopper pin 2B provided on the bracket 2A of the table support portion 2. This restricts the movement of the table 4 and the arm 3 in the above direction.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, the seat table 1 further has a torque hinge T that applies frictional resistance to the rotation of the arm 3 about the first rotation axis C1 relative to the table support part 2. This torque hinge T allows the rotation of the arm 3 about the first rotation axis C1 relative to the table support part 2 to be stopped at any position where the operation of the table 4 is stopped.

[0052] The seat table 1 also has a torque hinge T that applies frictional resistance to the rotation of the sector gear 5B about the third rotation axis C3 relative to the arm 3. This torque hinge T allows the rotation of the table 4, which meshes with the sector gear 5B, about the second rotation axis C2 relative to the arm 3 to be stopped at any position where the operation of the table 4 is stopped. This makes it possible to prevent the table 4 and arm 3 from moving on their own due to acceleration / deceleration or cornering momentum while the vehicle is traveling.

[0053] Next, we will explain the operation of storing the table 4 from the use position shown in Fig. 7 to the storage position shown in Fig. 6. When the table 4 is rotated clockwise relative to the arm 3 from the unfolded state shown in Fig. 7, the top-plate side gear 5A that is integral with the table 4 rotates clockwise relative to the arm 3. As a result, the sector gear 5B that meshes with the top-plate side gear 5A rotates counterclockwise relative to the arm 3 around the third rotation axis C3.

[0054] Due to this rotation, the spring unit D1 of the elastic stopper 3D provided on the arm 3 (described later) abuts against the abutment plate D2 before the first pin C4 of the link 5C is pressed against the clockwise end of the elongated hole B1. This causes the operating force of the elastic stopper 3D to be applied as a force that rotates the link 5C counterclockwise around the second pin C5 via the elastic stopper 3D. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the arm 3 is rotated counterclockwise around the first rotation axis C1 and retracted in a direction extending from the first rotation axis C1 toward the rear of the seat, directly above the right-side base SD. In this retracted position, the retraction stopper 3B provided at the base of the arm 3 abuts against the stopper pin 2B provided on the bracket 2A of the table support 2. At the same time, the table 4 is retracted in a direction extending from the second rotation axis C2 toward the front of the seat, overlapping the arm 3.

[0055] The spring unit D1 has a fixed portion fixed to the arm 3, with a round bar passing through it so that it can slide along the arm 3 in the length direction, and the round bar is elastically supported so that it is held in a fixed position relative to the fixed portion via a compression coil spring that passes through the outer periphery of the round bar. The abutment plate D2 consists of an L-shaped plate fixed to the flat portion of the sector gear 5B.

[0056] When the table 4 is rotated in the storage direction relative to the arm 3, the contact plate D2 of the elastic stopper 3D comes into contact with the tip of the round rod of the spring unit D1. As a result, the contact plate D2 is held in the contact position by the elastic force of the spring unit D1.

[0057] The compression coil spring of spring unit D1 is set between the tip of the round bar and the fixed part so that it is initially compressed. As a result, the compression coil spring of spring unit D1 is initially preloaded, and a predetermined elastic force is applied from the initial state when the abutment plate D2 abuts the tip of the round bar. As a result, when the table 4 is rotated to the storage position shown in Figure 6, the table 4 is locked in the storage position with a sense of click.

[0058] When the user presses the table 4 further in the storage direction (to the right) from the storage position shown in Fig. 6, the round rod of the spring unit D1 is pushed by the abutment plate D2 so as to slide along the fixed part against the elastic force of the compression coil spring, as shown in Fig. 12. As a result, the table 4 is pushed out to the pushed-out position shown in Fig. 12 against the elastic force of the spring unit D1.

[0059] When the table 4 is moved to the push position shown in Fig. 12, its rotational movement is restricted. Specifically, when the table 4 is moved to this position, the first pin C4 of the link 5C is pressed against the clockwise end of the elongated hole B1 in the drawing. This restricts the movement of the table 4 in the push direction relative to the arm 3. When the force pushing the table 4 to the push position is removed, the table 4 is pushed back to the storage position shown in Fig. 6 by the elastic force of the spring unit D1.

[0060] The seat table 1 further has a damper 3E that applies a damping force to the operation of pushing the table 4 back from the pushed-out position shown in Fig. 12 to the stored position shown in Fig. 6. The damper 3E is fixed to the arm 3. The damper 3E is of a one-way type that applies a damping force to the operation of pushing the table 4 back from the pushed-out position shown in Fig. 12 to the stored position shown in Fig. 6, but does not apply a damping force to the operation in the opposite direction (the operation of pushing the table 4 from the stored position shown in Fig. 6 to the pushed-out position shown in Fig. 12).

[0061] When the table 4 is rotated from the deployed position shown in Fig. 7 to the stored position shown in Fig. 6, the outer periphery of the damper 3E, which serves as the movable part, is meshed with the switch gear B2 coupled to the sector gear 5B so as to be able to transmit power. When the table 4 is pushed out from the stored position shown in Fig. 6 to the pushed-out position shown in Fig. 12, the movable part of the damper 3E meshed with the switch gear B2 is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the switch gear B2.

[0062] However, damper 3E does not apply a damping force to rotation in this direction. Therefore, table 4 can be pushed out to the pushed-out position shown in Fig. 12 with a relatively light force that resists the elastic force of elastic stopper 3D. Damper 3E applies a damping force to the rotation of table 4 that pushes it back from the pushed-out position shown in Fig. 12 to the stored position shown in Fig. 6 by the elastic force of elastic stopper 3D.

[0063] This damping force is transmitted to the sector gear 5B via the switch gear B2. Therefore, an appropriate damping force can be applied to the operation of returning the table 4 to the storage position shown in Fig. 6 by the elastic force of the elastic stopper 3D. The damper 3E is disengaged from the switch gear B2 when the table 4 is rotated in the deployment direction from the storage position shown in Fig. 6.

[0064] Therefore, the damper 3E can be made to function only in the push-out region where the table 4 is pushed outward from the storage position shown in Fig. 6, and not to function in the deployment / storage region where the table 4 is moved in the deployment direction from the storage position shown in Fig. 6. Here, the arm 3 to which the damper 3E is fixed corresponds to "one of the two members" in the present invention, and the first rotation axis C1, which is the rotation center of the arm 3, corresponds to the "rotation center" in the present invention. Furthermore, the sector gear 5B on which the switch gear B2 is provided corresponds to the "other of the two members" in the present invention.

[0065] To summarize the above, the seat table 1 according to this embodiment has the following configuration: Note that the reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

[0066] That is, the seat table (1) has a table (4) that is provided so as to be horizontally rotatable relative to the table support part (2). The seat table (1) also has a rotary connection structure (J) that connects the table (4) to the table support part (2) so as to be horizontally rotatable, and an elastic stopper (3D) that elastically abuts against the rotary connection structure (J) to lock the table (4) in the storage position when the table (4) rotates in the storage direction. The rotary connection structure (J) has a push-out region that allows the table (4) to be pushed out from the storage position to a push-out position beyond the storage position by a force that presses the table (4) in the storage direction against the elastic force of the elastic stopper (3D).

[0067] According to the above configuration, by rotating the table (4) to the storage position, the table (4) is elastically locked in the storage position due to the elastic contact of the elastic stopper (3D). When a force is applied to the table (4) in the storage direction from the storage position, the table (4) is pushed out beyond the storage position to an extrusion position against the elastic force of the elastic stopper (3D). Therefore, the table (4) can be pushed out from the storage position when desired. Furthermore, by removing the force pushing the table (4) to the extrusion position, the table (4) can be pushed back to the storage position by the elastic force of the elastic stopper (3D).

[0068] The apparatus further includes a damper (3E) that applies a damping force to the operation of the table (4) as it is pushed back from the extension position to the storage position by the elastic force of the elastic stopper (3D). With this configuration, the speed at which the table (4) is pushed back from the extension position to the storage position by the elastic force of the elastic stopper (3D) can be appropriately suppressed.

[0069] In addition, the damper (3E) is of a one-way type configuration that does not apply a damping force to the operation of pushing the table (4) from the storage position to the push-out position. With this configuration, even if the damper (3E) is present, the speed of the operation of pushing the table (4) from the storage position to the push-out position against the elastic force of the elastic stopper (3D) is not suppressed.

[0070] Furthermore, the damper (3E) is provided at a position away from the center of rotation (C1) of one (3) of the two members of the rotating connecting structure (J) that rotate relative to each other, and engages with the other of the two members (5B) so as to apply a damping force when the rotating connecting structure (J) is in the push-out region, and disengages from the other member (5B) when the rotating connecting structure (J) moves from the push-out region to the deployment / storage region. With the above-mentioned configuration, the damper (3E) can be appropriately provided with a relatively simple configuration so that it does not function when the table (4) is in the deployment / storage region and functions only when it is in the push-out region.

[0071] Second Embodiment Next, the configuration of a seat table 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 15. In the seat table 1 according to this embodiment, an elastic stopper 3F that elastically abuts on the table 4 to lock it in the storage position (see Figure 13) has a different configuration from that shown in the first embodiment.

[0072] 14, specifically, the elastic stopper 3F is made up of a swing gear F1 connected to the arm 3 so as to be rotatable around a fourth rotation axis R extending in the seat height direction, and a compression coil spring F3 set between the swing gear F1 and the arm 3 so as to be initially compressed. The fourth rotation axis R is set at a position forward of the first rotation axis C1, which is the rotation center of the arm 3.

[0073] The oscillating gear F1 is provided with a restricted movable range relative to the arm 3 so as to be able to rotate about the fourth rotation axis R between an initial position shown in the figure and a position (see FIG. 15) where it is pushed in from the initial position against the elastic force of the compression coil spring F3. As a result, in its free state, the oscillating gear F1 is elastically held in the initial position shown in FIG. 13 relative to the arm 3 by the elastic force of the compression coil spring F3.

[0074] Within the above-mentioned movable range, the oscillating gear F1 has external teeth formed on its outer circumferential surface that mesh with a damper 3E fixed to the arm 3 so as to be capable of transmitting power. As a result, the damper 3E applies a damping force to the oscillating gear F1 when the oscillating gear F1 moves from the pushed-in position (see FIG. 15) against the elastic force of the compression coil spring F3 to the stored position (see FIG. 13). The damper 3E is of a one-way type that does not apply a damping force to the operation of the table 4 when it is pushed from the stored position shown in FIG. 13 to the pushed-out position shown in FIG. 15.

[0075] 13, an engagement pin F2 protruding from the swing gear F1 in the seat height direction of the elastic stopper 3F comes into contact with the bracket 2A of the table support part 2 from the front of the seat. As a result, the arm 3 is held in the storage position by the elastic force of the compression coil spring F3 that elastically supports the swing gear F1.

[0076] When the user presses the table 4 further in the storage direction (rightward) from the storage position shown in Fig. 13, the oscillating gear F1 is pressed by the bracket 2A and pushed in against the elastic force of the compression coil spring F3, as shown in Fig. 15. As a result, the table 4 is pushed out to the pushed-out position shown in Fig. 15 against the elastic force of the compression coil spring F3.

[0077] When the force pushing the table 4 to the extended position is removed, the elastic force of the compression coil spring F3 pushes the table 4 back to the stored position shown in Fig. 13. Since the configuration other than the above is substantially the same as the configuration shown in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used and detailed description will be omitted.

[0078] To summarize the above, the seat table 1 according to this embodiment has the following configuration: Note that the reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

[0079] That is, the seat table (1) has a table (4) that is provided so as to be horizontally rotatable relative to the table support part (2). The seat table (1) also has a rotary connection structure (J) that connects the table (4) to the table support part (2) so as to be horizontally rotatable, and an elastic stopper (3F) that elastically abuts against the rotary connection structure (J) to lock the table (4) in the storage position when the table (4) rotates in the storage direction. The rotary connection structure (J) has a push-out region that allows the table (4) to be pushed out from the storage position to a push-out position beyond the storage position by a force that presses the table (4) in the storage direction against the elastic force of the elastic stopper (3F).

[0080] According to the above configuration, when the table (4) is rotated to the storage position, the elastic stopper (3F) elastically abuts against the table (4), thereby elastically locking the table (4) in the storage position. When a force is applied to the table (4) in the storage direction from the storage position, the table (4) is pushed out beyond the storage position to an extended position against the elastic force of the elastic stopper (3F). Therefore, the table (4) can be pushed out from the storage position when desired. Furthermore, when the force pushing the table (4) to the extended position is removed, the table (4) can be pushed back to the storage position by the elastic force of the elastic stopper (3F).

[0081] Other Embodiments Although the present invention has been described above using two embodiments, the present invention can be embodied in various forms other than the above embodiments.

[0082] 1. The seat table of the present invention may be used for seats installed in vehicles such as automobiles and trains, as well as seats installed in vehicles other than vehicles such as airplanes and ships. The seat table may also be used for seats other than those in vehicles.

[0083] 2. The table support may be attached to the seat and / or a slide rail that slidably supports the seat, or may be attached to the side wall of the vehicle. The table support may be slidable independently of the seat relative to the vehicle floor, or may be attached integrally with the seat. The table support may or may not be included as a component of the seat table.

[0084] 3. The damper may be of a rotary type or a linear type. In addition, the elastic member that applies the resilient force of the elastic stopper may be a tension spring or a torsion spring in addition to rubber or a compression coil spring.

[0085] 4. The seat table may be configured to be switchable between an electric mode and a manual mode for deploying and storing the table. The seat table may be configured to deploy from the outside to the inside in the seat width direction relative to the table support part, or may be configured to deploy from the front to the rear of the seat.

[0086] 5. The rotary connection structure that connects the table to the table support part so that it can rotate horizontally may be configured to connect the table to the table support part so that it can rotate horizontally around a single rotation axis without using an arm. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 seat table 2 Table support 2A Bracket 2B Stopper pin 3 Arm (one of two parts) 3A Deployment Stopper 3B Storage stopper 3D Elastic Stopper D1 Spring unit D2 Contact plate 3E Damper 3F Elastic stopper F1 Oscillating Gear F2 Engagement pin F3 compression coil spring 4 tables 5 Power transmission mechanism 5A Top plate side gear 5B Sector gear (the other of the two components) B1 long hole B2 Switching gear 5C Link C4 1st pin C5 2nd pin 5D Idling section C1 First rotation axis (center of rotation) C2 Second rotation axis C3 Third rotation axis R 4th rotation axis T Torque Hinge S seat SB seat back SC seat cushion SD base SH seat canopy J Rotating connection structure

Claims

1. A seat table having a table that is horizontally rotatable relative to a table support portion, a rotational connection structure that connects the table to the table support portion so as to be horizontally rotatable; an elastic stopper that elastically abuts against the rotation of the table in the storage direction by the rotation coupling structure to lock the table at the storage position, The rotary connection structure has an extrusion area that allows the table to be pushed from the storage position to an extrusion position beyond the storage position by a force that presses the table in the storage direction against the elastic force of the elastic stopper.

2. 2. The seat table according to claim 1, The seat table further includes a damper that applies a damping force to the operation of the table returning from the pushed-out position to the stored position by the elastic force of the elastic stopper.

3. 3. The seat table according to claim 2, The seat table is configured as a one-way type in which the damper does not apply a damping force to the operation of pushing the table from the storage position to the push-out position.

4. The seat table according to claim 2 or 3, The damper is provided at a position away from the center of rotation of one of the two members of the rotating connecting structure that rotate relative to each other, and when the rotating connecting structure becomes the extrusion area, it engages with the other of the two members so as to apply a damping force to it, and when the rotating connecting structure moves out of the extrusion area into the deployment storage area, it disengages from the other member.

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